Here on my blog, I like to write about all the beautiful destinations I have visited. But most of all, I love to promote my native country, especially if the praise comes from international travel bloggers, people who have traveled all over the world and still find in Romania a destination that is worth exploring.
A lesser-known country, a hidden gem in southeast Europe, with plenty of wonderful places to offer: from gorgeous landscapes, medieval castles, and towns, to traditional villages, waterfalls, national parks, and monasteries.
Today, 1st of December 2018, Romania celebrates 100 years since the Great Unification, and I thought it’s the ideal occasion to celebrate through such an article.
So, I invited 15 international travel bloggers to talk about the best places to visit in Romania.
What I use every time I travel:
- To book hotels: Booking.com
- To book tours: GetYourGuide.com
Best places to visit in Romania,
according to 15 travel bloggers
Brasov
READ NEXT: Top things to do in Brasov, Romania
Corvin Castle
Castles are always a top priority for me when traveling. And after having explored some other castles in Romania, I can definitely say that Corvin Castle in Hunedoara was – by far – my favorite one when I visited in August 2018.
This castle, honestly, was a dream come true! It was like traveling through time and I’d never expected to come across such a gem on my road trip in Romania. It was well worth the detour on our trip, but one that I’d take again and again and again.
Corvin Castle is not only well preserved but also has this special charm. There’s quite a lot to explore within the castle walls and I could definitely picture the Romanian partner school of Hogwarts teaching here.
One of my favorite parts of it is the wonderful wooden bridge that leads up to the castle as well as the highly decorated knights hall. Add Corvin Castle to your list of the best places to visit in Romania.
By Viktoria from Chronic Wanderlust
⇒ Find the best hotels around Corvin Castle.
The Danube Delta
Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania’s hip capital, is a fabulous city with trendy cafes and luscious bookstores. It also features a rebuilt Old Town with ruins from Vlad the Impaler and miniature Orthodox monasteries.
Some of my favorite things to do in Bucharest include trips to the Village Museum and the Romanian Athenaeum.
One thing that always strikes me whenever I’m in the city is just how much green space and parks are available to wander through.
I spend the majority of my free time in Bucharest taking long photo walks, sometimes on an official tour and sometimes on my own. One thing that I did on my first trip to the city that I highly recommend is joining the free walking tour.
Bucharest is a large city, and it’s not very compact. This tour will help you get your bearings and give you a great introduction to the city. But make sure to give yourself some free time here, since it’s a city that rewards those who wander and get lost.
By Stephanie from Sofia Adventures
⇒ Find the best hotels in Bucharest.
Cluj-Napoca
If you’re looking for a hip, trendy, and dynamic city to visit in Romania, then look no further than Cluj-Napoca!
As the capital of the Transylvania region and one of the largest urban areas in the country, Cluj has a lot to offer travelers and is the perfect destination to add to the list of the best places to visit in Romania.
Despite the fact that it is quite a large city, Cluj has a wonderful laid-back nature and lends itself to be explored at a relaxed pace. There is a thriving cafe culture as well as fantastic nightlife for those looking to party into the early hours of the morning.
During the day, there are many interesting things to occupy yourself with within Cluj, including a handful of quirky and fascinating museums.
The city also continually organizes cultural events so there is likely going to be something cool going on while you’re visiting.
While there aren’t a vast amount of typical tourist sites in Cluj-Napoca, it is just a wonderful place to visit and really get a feel for every-day Romanian city life and culture.
By Maggie from The World Was Here First ⇒ Find the best hotels in Cluj-Napoca.
READ ALSO: Things to do in Maramures, Romania
Sighisoara
When people ask me about my experience traveling around Romania, I always describe it as a fabulous experience. I totally enjoyed being on a road trip, traveling around different cities and stopping at many cute towns.
One of my favorites was Sighisoara since it felt as if I was stepping back into medieval times; it certainly looked like a fairy tale on earth!
Sighisoara was a day trip from Sibiu, another one of my favorite cities. If you are not familiar with Sighisoara, it is located in Transylvania and is remarkably well-preserved, with an amazing history.
It’s even earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction. What specifically do I love about this city?
Oh well, from the cute narrow cobblestone streets, brightly colored houses, to the romantic historic center with its 14th-century clock tower. The city is extremely lovely, enchanting and so cozy.
I totally enjoyed the architecture and charming cafes and restaurants.
By Olga Maria from Dreams in Heels ⇒ Find the best hotels in Sighisoara.
Sibiu
Sibiu, Romania might be among the most picturesque and charming towns you will ever see. Founded in the 12th century by German settlers has been often called the most Eastern point with Western European culture.
You can still see a lot of German remnants around and will most likely stumble across the old name of the city – Hermannstadt.
Today Sibiu is a gem of Romania and one of the most culturally important cities in the country. When walking around Sibiu you might feel like someone is watching you – that’s because the houses have eyes here.
Built for cooling purposes the attic window is a typical feature for the city.
Some of these distinctive houses date back to the 15th century! But they are not the only thing worth seeing in Sibiu.
Be sure to visit both the Upper and Lower town, wander around the charming lanes and stop for a coffee at one of the cozy cafes.
Make sure to climb the Council Tower to see the best view of the city. But the best thing to do in Sibiu is to slow down and enjoy the city’s calm vibe and beautiful architecture – it’s worth your time!
By Kami from My Wanderlust ⇒ Find the best hotels in Sibiu.
READ NEXT: 20 photos that will make you fall in love with Sibiu, Romania
Peles Castle
Last winter I ventured on a day trip from Bucharest to Peles Castle, and I’m glad I did so. The Peles Castle is a neoclassical construction in Sinaia in the Carpathian Mountains.
King Carol I commissioned its construction because he fell in love with the area, and I can assure you he wasn’t off base.
The landscape is breathtaking with the snow-capped mountains and dense forest surrounding the castle. The building itself reminds a lot the Bavarian castles as a way to honor the king’s roots.
When I was there, I couldn’t avoid but to think of how this site looked like those fairytale places, and I wondered how I had never seen a movie shot on that castle.
Anyway, the woodwork and yellow bricks that adorn the facade look exceptionally romantic. The interior is highly (and beautifully) decorated with angels and other figures carved on wood as well as many paintings.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Romania besides Bucharest, be sure to include the jaw-dropping Peles Castle to your list. You won’t regret it.
By Bruna from Maps ‘N Bags
⇒ Find the best hotels in Sinaia.
READ NEXT: Unique things to do in Sinaia, Romania
Iasi
With little expectations, I arrived but soon discovered a lively young student city full of beautiful churches, interesting museums and great places to eat.
The fact that it wasn’t overrun by tourists was part of its charm. We could watch the incredible frescoes in the churches and monasteries practically on our own and felt like a true explorer finding an unexplored gem.
The city was an interesting mix of its rich history as the former capital of the Moldovan kingdom and its former role as an industrial center during the communist regime.
It was a great introduction to the beautiful northeastern part of Romania that left me wondering why so little is known about this amazing city.
By Ellis from Backpack Adventures
⇒ Find the best hotels in Iasi.
The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta
Bucovina
By Inma from A World To Travel
Bran Castle
Perched on top of a steep mountain, Bran Castle looks like something out of a fairy tale. It’s believed the castle once held prisoner, Vlad the Impaler the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel.
This slim connection to the Dracula legend has helped make Bran Castle one of Romania’s most popular tourist sites. Everyone wants to see Dracula’s Castle!
And while the whole vampire thing might seem a little silly, the castle is still one of the best places to visit in Romania.
This is a castle plucked straight from the imagination with a maze of rooms, narrow passageways and staircases, torture room, and creaking wooden doors. There’s even a secret passage hidden behind a large library.
Originally built as a fort to protect the German Saxons who lived in the region, the castle is surrounded by towers and ramparts.
It’s been restored several times and the furniture and doors feature beautifully detailed carvings. It’s unlike any castle I’ve visited, and one of the best places to visit in Romania.
By Audrey from Gumnuts Abroad
Constanta
Poiana Brasov
One of the best places to visit in Romania, in my opinion, especially in the winter, is the beautiful ski resort of Poiana Brasov, which is one of the best places to ski in the Balkans Located just 30 minutes away from the vibrant Transylvanian city of Brasov, Poiana Brasov is absolutely stunning when covered in snow.
It has 13 ski pistes perfect for skiers and snowboarders, and there are also some 9 kilometers of cross-country ski paths if that’s the kind of winter adventure you prefer.
It’s quite affordable to ski in Romania especially compared to counterparts in Western European counties like Switzerland or Italy!
Even if you don’t know how to ski, there are plenty of ways to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Poiana Brasov.
I loved relaxing at the Teleferic Spa, which had a gorgeous outdoor hot tub that was fantastic to enjoy in the cold weather with snow-covered trees all around. The saunas and steam rooms there were excellent and the massages there were so relaxing.
I visited at the beginning of November and was surprised by how much snow there was already, though of course skiers would probably enjoy it even more in January or February when there is more snow on the mountains.
By Allison from Sofia Adventures
⇒ Find the best hotels in Poiana Brasov.
Busteni
In the Prahova Valley, in-between Sinaia and Brasov is my favorite mountain resort town-Busteni. This area is simply amazing if you love the outdoors and hiking!
There are the moderate trails to “Cascada Urlatoare” (Howling Waterfall), and “Poiana Izvoarelor” (meadow of the springs) which leads up to a tea house.
And the more difficult trails of “Jepii Mici” and “Jepii Mare” (meaning little and big Jepi trees) which go from the town all the way to the top of the mountain.
The views on those trails are incredible and will take your breath away if the hike itself doesn’t!
If you’re not into hiking but just like to get some fresh air, relaxing by the cool mountain stream in the summer is so refreshing. Or you can take the cable car to the top of the mountain and visit the unique stone formations up there, “Babele” and “Sphinxul”.
The town itself is filled with little shops and restaurants and is fun to walk around in. For places to stay there’s the big Hotel Silva, and lots of B&B’s and affordable “cazare”, apartments people who live there rent out to visitors.
Also, it’s no Peles, but Busteni has its own castle too, Cantacuzino, which is on the other side of town across the train tracks.
Lastly, don’t forget to visit Caraiman Monastery. Surrounded by mountains and forests it’s a beautiful holy place! If you’re lucky the farm animals and the little pony that live there will be out too 🙂
By Maura from Camera & a Canvas
⇒ Find the best hotels in Busteni.
The photo of Sighisoara really struck me. I love how you highlight different cities from natural sights, coastal towns and authentic cities. Saving this post for my later adventures in Romania. Thank you for sharing!
I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Romania. When I traveled through the Balkan countries this summer I made it only as far as Bulgaria, then moved south to Turkey. I REALLY wish I had been to Romania! I will definitely go one day, and will use this list to make sure I am going to all the best places 🙂 Thanks for sharing – I’ve pinned this for later!
Romania is on my travel bucket list. I’ve always wanted to go to Transylvania and learn more about Dracula. Now I have other places to add to the list. Sighisoara is my kind of place with wandering through the colorful houses. Would also like to see Bucovina as I love the outdoors. Are there any hiking trails there?
Really useful compilation for a country that has so much to offer, makes it difficult to choose where to go. Constanta with all the history on its streets and Bucovina with its hiking options definitely stand out for me. Thank you for sharing all the amazing pics and unmissable places in this gem of a country!
This is such a useful post. I love road trips as well and Sighisoara looks so cute with its colorful houses! I have never head of this UNESCO site before. A road trip in Transylvania is definitely in my bucket list. Thank you for sharing this!
I love to take a walking tour on arrival in a new place. It definitely helps me get oriented, especially if it is spread out like Bucharest.
This post definitely makes me want to visit Romania! So many places I would like to go to. Sighisoara caught my eye right away. Is the whole town full of colorful houses like that, or just a section?
I have never considered Romania as a destination to add to my bucket list. Reading your post and seeing at these stunning pictures made change my mind. Great group work!
Brasov – wow. Corin Castle – wow. The Danube Delta – wow… I don’t think I ever stopped wowing reading this entire list! I didn’t know there were so many breathtaking places in Romania and you’re for sure giving me a serious case of travel bugs now. You’re super lucky to call such a beautiful country home!
Merita vazut si Canionul de aragonit de pe Dealul Melcului de la Corund: